Gray Whale Gin, California

Celebrating California’s wild beauty and a 12,000-mile marine migration, Gray Whale Gin is an homage to the journey of its namesake, from Baja to the Arctic. Distilled in small batches with botanicals sourced from points along the whale’s coastal path, this gin is a vibrant, evocative spirit that embodies the soul of the Pacific. With each sip, you’re tasting not just a finely crafted gin but also a commitment to nature, community, and sustainability.

Product Details:

• Spirit Type: Gin
• ABV: 43% (86 Proof)
• Distillation: Seven times distilled
• Gluten-Free: Yes
• Ingredients: Organic or wild-foraged botanicals
• Base Spirit: Corn (6x distilled)
• Distiller: Marsh Mokhtari
• Owner: Marsh and Jan Mokhtari

Sensory Description:

Gray Whale Gin opens with sunlit zest, bright, hand-zested Baja citrus delivers a vivid entry, quickly followed by a coastal pulse of wild Big Sur juniper and aromatic Sonoma fir. As the palate develops, the oceanic essence of Mendocino sea kelp lends umami depth, punctuated by cooling Santa Cruz mint. The finish is smooth and gently creamy, thanks to sustainably sourced Central Valley almonds, offering an elegant conclusion to a flavor journey as expansive as the California coastline itself.

Awards & Accolades:

• Gold – 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
• Gold – 2024 TAG Global Spirits Awards
• Gold – 2024 San Diego International Wine Competition
• Gold – 2023 SIP Awards
• Gold – 2022 International Wine & Spirit Competition
• Silver – 2023 International Wine & Spirit Competition
• Silver – 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
• Silver – 2023 New York International Spirits Competition
• Bronze – 2024 International Wine & Spirit Competition
• Bronze – 2022 NZ Spirits Awards
• Gold (Package Design) – 2018 SIP Awards
• Gold – 2018 SIP Awards
• Silver – 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
• Silver – 2018 Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America
• Winner – 2018 WSWA Brand Battle

Distiller's Background:

Founded by adventurer and host Marsh Mokhtari and creative director Jan Mokhtari, Golden State Distillery began with a vision sparked on a camping trip along Big Sur. Inspired by the awe of the ocean and the ancient voyage of gray whales, the couple crafted Gray Whale Gin to celebrate California’s land and sea. Sourcing wild and organic ingredients directly from the whale’s migratory route, they created a gin that reflects both place and purpose, backed by a commitment to conservation through partnerships with Oceana and 1% for the Planet.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve chilled at 45–50°F. This coastal gin shines in a classic martini or brightens up a citrus-forward G&T. It pairs beautifully with raw oysters, grilled shrimp, roasted nuts, or bright herbaceous dishes like lemony pasta or minty tabbouleh. Its earthy, oceanic profile also makes it an ideal match for sushi, seaweed salads, or light vegetable tapas.

With its coastal complexity, carefully curated botanicals, and genuine heart for conservation, Gray Whale Gin is more than a premium spirit; it’s a movement. Whether you're sipping for flavor or cause, this gin delivers a true taste of California and an unwavering commitment to a better planet.